Ford announced last week that he was taking a leave of absence to treat his substance abuse problems, following the Sun's report of an audio recording featuring Ford ranting at a bar, and The Globe and Mail's report of a new video showing him smoking what is believed to be crack cocaine.

Ford told the Sun he would be back in time for Toronto's mayoral election, and that he is even doing campaign work from rehab.

“Of course, I am coming back and I am going to kick butt,” he said. “I asked for my calls sheets and I am making calls to constituents. … I am getting help but I still want to help.”

Ford gave the interview from an undisclosed rehab facility, but he offered the Sun some details about his treatment. He said he was participating in group meetings and one-on-one sessions, that he was working out every day, and that he was "learning about myself, my past and things like that.” He said the topic of his being mayor of Toronto has not come up much at the facility.

“They know but there are two doctors here, a captain of industry and a professional athlete,” Ford said. “There are terrific people in my group. We are all supporting each other. We are connecting in a weird way.”

Ford told the Sun he was coming to terms with everything that had happened.

“At first, I was mad. I was mad at myself and saying, ‘Why me?’ ” Ford said. “But then I realized it could have been a whole lot worse.”